Human Ecology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Major Gift Associate to join our Alumni Affairs and Development division in the College of Human Ecology, based in Ithaca, NY. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the university's advancement efforts.
Position Summary
Human Ecology Alumni Affairs and Development advances this mission by inspiring philanthropy and engagement from alumni, parents, and friends. Our work enriches the lives of Human Ecology graduates and strengthens the personal, intellectual, and career returns of their degree over time.
Based on the Ithaca campus, the Major Gift Associate (MGA) will work collaboratively with gift officers, Deans, faculty, and staff across the University to accomplish the development goals of the College.
The MGA will assist one Major Gift Officer (MGO) and the Assistant Dean, each of whom manages a portfolio of donors or prospective donors with the potential to make gifts of $250K to $10 million. The MGA is responsible for working collaboratively with gift officers to support a comprehensive strategy for each prospect household. This will include preparing customized written communications such as briefings, correspondence, acknowledgements, proposals, gift documentation, and nominations which will be utilized by gift officers, Deans, faculty, and key alumni volunteers. The MGA will acquire and maintain in-depth knowledge of Human Ecology fundraising priorities, programs, and initiatives in order to develop these communications as well as other various fundraising materials and cases for support.
The MGA will also oversee a thorough stewardship plan major gift donors. Focus will be given to those with endowed funds, ensuring proper stewardship and reporting takes place in a timely manner.
Key Responsibilities

• Draft correspondence for use by the Deans, faculty, and gift officers for a variety of purposes, including meeting follow-up, acknowledgement letters, notes of congratulations, etc.
• Develop briefing materials, talking points, and other supporting materials for meetings with prospective donors. Research and gather information as necessary to ensure accuracy of materials and information that reflects prospect's interests and involvements. Clarify, synthesize, and customize information to the intended audience.
• In conjunction with MGOs, develop appropriate documents requesting philanthropic support from Human Ecology's closest alumni and friends. This may include creation of formal proposals, letters, etc. and typically involves coordination with colleagues and administrators from across the College and campus.
• Review prospect development and stewardship strategies with MGOs and facilitate connections within the College and University to support these strategies. This may include planning campus visits and coordinating speaking engagements.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the College's fundraising priorities and faculty research to develop cases for support and other relevant fundraising materials for internal and external audiences.
• In collaboration with MGOs, develop and execute prospect stewardship strategies that demonstrate the impact of the donor's generosity to Cornell. Oversee and manage stewardship for all endowed funds not stewarded by University Donor Relations.
• Stay informed of all Committee on Memorials and Named Facilities policies, manage submission process, and maintain accurate database of all named spaces opportunities within the College.

About College of Human Ecology
College of Human Ecology explores the complexity of human life. We bring together a wide range of perspectives to understand the full context of the human experience and improve lives at every scale, from cells to society. Our research and academic programs focus on the interaction of humans with their biological, economic, social and physical environments. Using Cornell's far-reaching extension network and the college's translational research methods, we deliver our findings directly to communities and families, ensuring that our work reaches those who need it most. We prioritize innovative collaboration and are fueled by a powerful, interdisciplinary, and applied approach to improving lives.
About Alumni Affairs and Development
Cornell's Alumni Affairs and Development division, widely regarded as one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, connects alumni, parents and friends with opportunities to advance the university's mission through philanthropy and engagement. As part of our team, you'll help cultivate meaningful relationships while working alongside dedicated professionals who share your commitment to excellence and educational advancement.
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of work experience, or equivalent, in a relevant field.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.
• Ability to use persuasive writing is a must.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to problem solve, research, evaluate and synthesize information for the intended audience.
• Must be well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize assignments for completion in a timely manner.
• Must be able to exercise strong judgment, conduct oneself in a professional and ethical manner, and work with highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work with multiple team members' styles in an effective and collegial manner.
• Ability to work with individuals from across the university, at all levels, as well as with key alumni, donors, and volunteers.
• Must have demonstrated ability to use computer software applications, databases, networked informational systems, and the Internet

Work Location

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 3 days per week and on-campus 2 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.

Rewards and Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
University Job Title:
Gift Associate II
Job Family:
Alumni Affairs Development
Level:
F
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Pay Range:
$72,209.00 - $83,447.00
Remote Option Availability:
Hybrid
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Laura Clark
Contact Email:
lhc66@cornell.edu
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

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2026-07-06